ICAR-Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed award 2019 for outstanding research in tribal farming systems
Dr. P. Rajeev (Team Leader),Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala together with his team which includes DR. V. SIVAKUMAR, SCIENTIST (HORTICULTURE) & HEAD, HORTICULTURAL RESEARCH STATION, ICAR-AICRP ON SPICES CENTRE, Dr. YSR Horticultural University, Visakhapatnam, Dr. D.Prasath, Principal Scientist (Horticulture), Kerala and Dr. E. Jayashree, Principal Scientist, ICAR-Indian Institute of Spices Research, Kozhikode, Kerala has been awarded Fakhruddin Ali Ahmed Award for Outstanding Research in Tribal Farming Systems 2019. ICAR Indian Institute of Spices Research implemented a multi institutional project leveraging several technologies which were already available with the organization for immediate benefit to the tribal community at Vishakapatnam. Eight technologies defined as GAP were tested through AICRPS on Spices at Horticulture Research station, Chintappalle and disseminated adopting a multi institutional value chain approach. Two technologies namely improved varieties of turmeric and black pepper and mechanization of primary processing in turmeric had significant impact on increasing productivity, income and quality. The project supported Maathota Tribal Farming FPO involving 500 tribal farmers in 800 ha of turmeric and obtained organic certification by TQ Cert Services Private Limited. Another FPO, Andhra Kashmir with 500farmers has completed organic cultivation of turmeric in two seasons in 683 ha. Women farmer producer organizations supported by Giri Chaitanya Farmer's Society marketed four value added products of spices, branded and labelled under the project.